Girihandu Seya, Buddhist temple in Thiriyai, Sri Lanka
The temple complex stands on a hilltop with a central stupa protected by a vatadage, featuring stone pillars arranged in concentric circles.
Two seafaring merchants, Trapusa and Bahalika, constructed the first Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka during ancient times, as evidenced by rock inscriptions.
The temple holds sacred hair relics of Buddha and remains an important spiritual destination for Buddhist practitioners throughout Sri Lanka.
Visitors need to climb stone steps to reach the temple complex, with early morning visits recommended for comfortable exploration of the grounds.
The rock inscriptions near the temple contain Sanskrit text dating to King Silamegha's reign, covering an area of twenty feet by five feet.
Location: Trincomalee District
GPS coordinates: 8.87039,81.00728
Latest update: March 10, 2025 21:44
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